A Day To Celebrate Each And Every Mom

Oh, Mothers. They’re all so different and so special. From the outdoorsy mom to the foodie mom, the overworked mom to the sporty mom, we’ve compiled a list to please them all!

For the Outdoorsy Mom

Enjoy the many beautiful outdoor spaces Montreal has to offer. Whether it be at Beaver Lake, Westmount Park or by the water in the Old Port, Montreal has no shortage of beautiful outdoor spots to choose from! Prepare a basket of goods or pick up brunch from one of your favourite spots and enjoy it in the great outdoors! Which brings us to our next point…

Old Montreal
Photo credit: IG @curiositycanada

Westmount Park
Photo credit: IG @michellelittlephotography

Beaver Lake
Photo credit: IG @jfsavaria

For the Foodie Mom

If Montreal is famous for one thing, it would probably be our food scene. Ever heard of the Montreal bagel? Yup - we thought so 🤤. Pick up brunch from some of our favourite neighbourhood spots like Tommy Cafe, Olive and Groumando or Le Cartet Resto Boutique or DIY it and create your own masterpiece at the Atwater Market or Jean-Talon Market where you’ll enjoy fresh cheeses, meats and produce!

Atwater Market
Photo credit: IG @marcheatwater

Tommy Cafe
Photo credit: IG @tommycafe

For the Mom Who Needs a Break

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau
Photo credit: IG @botabotamtl

We all know the mom who's been doing the most during the pandemic - working from home, homeschooling, cooking 3 meals, tending to the laundry… yup, a real life superhero! We can only imagine how much this mom would enjoy some time to herself. A day at a lovely Old Montreal spa like Spa Scandinave or Bota Bota will be exactly what she needs. But don’t end it there… let your mom soak in the relaxation just a little longer by booking her a night stay at a nearby hotel, like Maisons & Co., for example! (hehe)

Maison Sainte-Thérèse by Maisons & Co.
Photo credit: IG @versepasi

For the Sporty Mom

If the name of the game for your mom is to stay active, here’s a couple things you could do. Grab your bikes or rent some BIXI’s and ride along the lovely Lachine Canal, enjoy the trails at Mount Royal or simply explore the city by following the it’s many bike paths.

Want to head out of the city? Drive up to Mont-Tremblant, the highest peak in the Laurentians, and choose from one of their 11 stunning trails, ranging from 1-11 km. You will be sure to get some beautiful views while also working up a sweat!

Mont Tremblant
Photo credit: @monttremblant

Bixi
Photo credit: IG @biximontreal

FROM MTL TO THE NBA: LUGUENTZ DORT

In preparation for the start of the NBA season, players were mandated to quarantine for two weeks prior to returning for training. Maisons & Co. had the pleasure of hosting Luguentz “Lu” Dort, a Montreal native who now plays #5 on the Oklahoma City Thunder, for those 14 days.

We sat down with Lu to learn a little more about him. Here’s how it all went down...

So, tell us about yourself. We know you are making waves in the NBA world, but who truly is Lu Dort?

I would describe myself as being a pretty chill guy. I don’t usually talk too much around a lot of people. Generally, I like to lay low - play video games, watch movies and hangout with my friends. I also enjoy spending time with family and I try to give back to my people however I can.

More obviously, I really love sports. I love basketball but I also love soccer. I’m a big soccer fan and used to play when I was younger.

What was it like growing up in Montreal? 

I grew up in a small circle in Montreal-North and went to school in the area so most of my friends lived in the neighbourhood. That’s why I love coming back to Montreal and catching up with everyone.

The snow is crazy too - I went to Florida for the end of high school and when I came back I was like yeah, that snow is REAL.

“I never thought about the NBA, I didn’t even really know any players. I just wanted to play”.

How did you get interested in playing basketball?

My brothers and friends used to play. I was the only one playing soccer at the time. One day, I told my mom I wanted to play basketball as well. She said that I needed to choose one. So, I decided to make the switch and never looked back. I never thought about the NBA, I didn’t even really know any players. I just wanted to play.

When did you realize that you can transform your love for the sport into a career?

I would say when I got to my sophomore or junior year of high school. That’s when I realized it could be more.

What was it like this past season - to be playing during the pandemic?

Playing in the bubble was a different experience. At first, it was tough since there weren’t any fans in the stadium. We were actually playing for ‘virtual’ fans. After a while I got used to it though. We were just there for so long that it became normal in the end. The NBA really did a great job with everything too.

When you are away for the season, what’s the one thing you miss most about home?
My family, for sure. I would also say the culture of the city. People are different in Montreal, it just feels like home.

What do you like most about Montreal?
I always say that Montreal is an underdog city. We really have so much talent here that people don’t know about. Now that I have a platform I am proud to talk about it and really shine a light on our city.

If someone were to be in Montreal for 48hrs what would you suggest they do?

I would suggest they experience the city’s nightlife. Going out in Montreal is really fun. Also, walking around in the Old Port is just so nice. I’ve also heard Mont-Royal is really nice, although I’ve actually never been. I would also suggest they visit this great Haitian restaurant in Montreal North called Marché du Soleil.

How was your Maisons & Co. quarantine experience?

It was really nice! Obviously couldn't go out but still had a great time watching TV, playing games, and using the kitchen. Actually cooked all my meals - it was cool.

After the 14-day quarantine, I got to walk around the old port a little and stopped at the coffee shop on the corner (Café Olimpico). I heard it is one of the best in Montreal - I didn’t know, but it was great.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak today! It was a pleasure getting to know you and so glad that you enjoyed your time with us. Any last thoughts?

Thank you for your hospitality! Just want everyone to know how much I really love my city. I'm always going to represent Montreal to the best of my ability and I can't wait to put on a show this season!

AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE @ MAISON SAINTE-THÉRÈSE

In early 2019 …

we decided to add 8 brand-new rooms to the ground floor of Maison Sainte-Thérèse. Sabrina Barazin of Sabrina Barazin Studio was given the mandate of designing these spaces.

Here’s how it all went down...

Talk to us about your creative process. What was that like?

As soon as we were presented with the mandate for the new rooms, we started to build a character profile for the space. We wanted to create a story. We asked ourselves, who is staying here? Who is experiencing the space? What should it look like, feel like, smell like? … etc.

“We were also very inspired by the building in which the hotel is located. Maison Sainte-Thérèse is a historic building that used to be a prestigious library in the 1800s.”

What inspired your design?

A couple of aspects inspired the design of these rooms, but to put it simply, the two overarching inspirations were history and nature.

First, I am eternally inspired by the Jazz era and wanted to exude a vintage feel while also representing the stylish, modern, cultured Montrealer. I believe that we achieved this by including a mix of contemporary items with repurposed objects in each room; like having Old New York Times issues sitting on our new side tables, for example.

We were also very inspired by the building in which the hotel is located. Did you know that Maison Sainte-Thérèse is a historic building that used to be a library? In fact, in the 1850s, the J.-B. Rolland Bookstore was one of Montreal's most renowned bookstores! We therefore wanted to preserve its historic significance and allow the original parts of the space to shine - like the floors which have wonderful ancient cracks and texture in them, the exposed brick and stone walls, and original window shutters on the east side.

Our color palette, textures, and materials were primarily inspired by mama nature. We gravitated toward colours like terracotta and moss green and incorporated ceramics, warm wood accents and added live plants in each room. 

Do you have a favourite room?

Love them all, it’s so hard to choose. I could say that my favourite changes depending on my mood, since each room has it’s own personality. The room we are sitting in now, 102, is a great space. It’s a corner unit, which is a nice feature seeing as it gets a lot of natural light. However, on days when I want to feel held by a space I would go into rooms 103 or 104. They are super cozy. Perfect for an intimate weekend.

Where did you find some of your favourite pieces for these rooms?

I really wanted to involve as many local artists and Canadian brands as possible in this project. The feature lobby paintings were done by our friend, and Montreal artist Dan Climan, many pieces were bought from local vintage shops, as well as Canadian brands such as EQ3.

What original pieces did you design?

A couple items in the hotel rooms were custom-made.

For one, we designed the headboards in the rooms. These were important as they were the anchor of the overall room design. We decided to have these be the focal point as the bed is such an important part of any hotel experience. We also custom designed the hallway millwork, sconces, banquet + reception counter. 

To add, we also got a lot of custom upholstery done. Most of the statement chairs found in the rooms were vintage pieces which we breathed new life into.

What were some challenges you ran into during the process?

To be blunt, COVID-19. This was our biggest challenge. Originally, we were supposed to launch the new rooms in May 2020. However, as we recall, the pandemic hit Montreal in March. This created a rupture in the supply chain. A lot of our suppliers were shut down due to government regulations and items were being held up at customs.

Although the delays were frustrating, this extra time actually allowed us to pivot a little and make the rooms more full and liveable for long term stays. (We always try to look at the bright side of situations!)

Despite the catastrophe caused by the pandemic, the experience was amazing from beginning to end. The Maisons & Co. team allowed us creative freedom and trusted us completely - which is more than you can ever wish for in a project like this.

Outside of design, what was your favourite part of this mandate?

Thinking about all the people who will get to experience the space, and spend a little slice of their lives living, and loving in it. That’s definitely the best feeling for me.

5 THINGS TO DO IN MONTREAL DURING A PANDEMIC (COVID-19)

Although Montreal has entered the COVID-19 red zone, we remain open. Maisons & Co. will continue to practice strict sanitary measures to ensure the safety of our guests. 

As of today, all bars and restaurants are closed and will only be allowed to serve the public for take-out orders. To add, other public spaces such as cinemas, museums and libraries will be closed. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to stay home. There are still many sights to see and things to do in Montreal during this time! Here are our top 5 recommendations:

1 - PICNIC BY THE PORT IN OLD MONTREAL

So, yes. Restaurants have been ordered to close their dining rooms for the next 28 days, but they are still serving takeout! Grab a latte and a delicious pastry or breakfast sandwich and start your day with a picnic by the port.

Some of our favourite breakfast spots in Old Montreal include:

TOMMY

OLIVE + GOURMANDO

CAFE OLIMPICO

CREW COLLECTIVE & CAFE

IG: @alaindassylva

2 - BIXI AROUND THE CITY

Rent a BIXI for the day. All you need is a bike, and Montreal is your oyster! Start your ride in the neighbourhood and visit beautiful Old Montreal sights like Notre-Dame Basilica. Later, take your ride along the Lachine Canal or bike into the city and make your way to neighbourhoods such as Griffintown, Saint-Henri, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and more!

IG: @biximtl

3 - BIKE OR HIKE AROUND MOUNT-ROYAL PARK 

Enjoy the warm colours of the trees and fresh autumn air while exploring the many trails in Mount-Royal Park. Don’t forget to stop at the viewpoint where you will experience a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

IG: @livemontreal

4 - TAKE A VIRTUAL COOKING CLASS

Ateliers & Saveurs is known in Montreal for offering a variety of cooking, baking and mixology classes. Normally we would suggest you visit the Old Montreal location, but given the circumstances, they are offering online classes! Our rooms are equipped with a full kitchen, and complimentary WiFi, so all you need to bring to the table is a smile!

IG: @ateliersetsaveurs

5 - SHOP ON SAINT-CATHERINE STREET 

Need to scratch that shopping itch? Walk down Sainte-Catherine, Downtown Montreal’s main shopping street. You won’t be disappointed! 

IG: @montreal_gallery